Opting for the seaside or the mountains, enjoying the bustle of a city or strolling through the quiet streets of a village...: when deciding on a trip, the choice can be difficult. Or not. With a surface area of only 6,000 square kilometers, the Costa Brava and Girona Pyrenees destination offers a wide variety of landscapes, between sea and mountains, towns and villages. The opportunity to combine all the experiences and activities. Without having to choose.
Mediterranean Sea with your feet in the water
Delightful secluded coves, imposing cliffs and beautiful stretches of fine sand, this is the impressive palette deployed over more than 250 km by the Costa Brava. It also boasts an idyllic blue sea, ideal temperatures and a wide range of facilities for holidaymakers. For the traveler, it will be an opportunity to discover or rediscover many activities. Ideal place for idleness on the great beaches of Roses, Sant Pere Pescador, l'Escala or Lloret del Mar, this costa will also allow you to practice the art of hiking along the steep cliffs of Cap de Creus or following the paths of the coastal paths, all along the coast for the most athletic, or in small steps for the most people, in order to reserve refreshing swims. To explore the richness of the seabed, you can dive, equipped with mask and snorkel, or observe it via transparent hull catamarans that allow access to particularly rich spots such as the Medes Islands (1,300 species listed). And the deep blue sea will also be the opportunity to practice numerous nautical activities such as sailing, paddle, canoeing or water skiing.
White houses and blue paradise
The discovery of the coast also includes a visit to the many villages that dot the Mediterranean coastline. We will of course head for Cadaqués, whose cubist silhouette and narrow streets with white houses have attracted many intellectuals and painters, including the master himself, Salvador Dalí. Then we go to Begur, a little further south, to appreciate its modernist heritage and enjoy a magnificent view of the entire coast and the center of the Empordà, climbing up to its castle. And don't forget to go to Tossa de Mar, Chagall's blue paradise, where you can discover its magnificent medieval heritage. And you should know that only a few kilometers from the coast, two medieval jewels await you: Pals and Peratallada
More unexpectedly, a trip to the Pyrenees of Girona will allow a subtle pleasure, that of mixing the pleasures of skiing in winter with the joys of the beach, so close. Indeed, on the mountain side, this region is home to contrasting landscapes, but dotted with peaks approaching 3,000 meters in altitude. In winter, skiers will enjoy the snowy slopes of Vallter 2000, La Molina and Masella (with Alp 2500, the largest ski area in the Pyrenees) and Vall de Núria. But the latter is also very popular in summer for those who want to alternate between relaxing on the beach and climbing the peaks, with breathtaking views
From the top of the mountain
The Garrotxa Volcanic Zone Natural Park, which is home to some 40 ancient volcanoes covered with vegetation, can be explored on foot or by bicycle all year round. Not to mention one of the main treasures of the Girona region, the Banyoles lake, the largest natural lake in Catalonia, where you can go kayaking, water skiing or rowing. This region can also be discovered by visiting its high mountain villages like Beget and Oix. In the first one, you will appreciate its Romanesque bridges, its church Sant Critòfol and its location in the heart of nature. In the latter, the church of Sant Llorenç and the remains of its castle stand out. In Castellfollit de la Roca, the church of Sant Salvador, located at the end of a 1 km long and 50 m high balsamic cliff, offers a spectacular view of the mountains and vegetation. Besalú, one of the best preserved medieval towns in Catalonia, is another must-see.
Sea and mountain in the plate
The route is just as complete in terms of heritage, ranging from megalithic sites to modernism and its local variation, Indiana architecture, as well as Iberian sites and Romanesque art. By the sea, in the village squares or during the numerous summer concerts, the party is never absent from a trip. And the "combo" of land and sea will also be present on your plates. On the sea side, you will enjoy suquet, gambas or rice, while the mountains will favor potatoes, meats and hunting products. But all of them are accompanied by the main products, olive oil and wines with the Empordà controlled designation.
USEFUL INFORMATION
When to visit?
This destination can be visited all year round. With different dates if you want to ski or swim in the sea. On the other hand, each region offers other activities out of season. For bird watching or enjoying the beautiful scenery, spring and autumn are ideal times. For accommodation, prices are much lower in the off-season on the coast.
Duration
One can envisage a long weekend to discover Girona, to go down some slopes or to taste a suquet with your feet in the sand in Calella de Palafrugell, but that's only fair. A week allows you to take the time to arrive, to enjoy and vary the pleasures. Fifteen days would be the ideal time to visit the destination
Budget
The destination is suitable for everyone. Families, students, groups of friends, couples or retirees will find the infrastructures that correspond to their budget. As for hiking, there are hikes of all levels, therefore for all tastes and abilities
The pluses
In addition to the pleasure of doing a large number of differentactivities in a small area, you will have the pleasure of rubbing shoulders with many people who speak French very well, both professionals and locals
The minuses
Some places on the coast are a bit crowded in summer. And the prices go up with it
To go there
RENFE-SNCF - More information on the website
There is a direct TGV connection between Paris and Figueres and Girona (5h from Paris and 4h from Lyon). Other connections from the PACA region and Occitania: Marseille, Montpellier, Nîmes, Perpignan
Useful
PATRONAT TURISME COSTA BRAVA GIRONA - More information on the website
29, Sant Francesc Avenue
3rd floor - Girona
For all useful information about the destination
Phone: +34 972 208 401
